Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Twain Harte Fest
The Twain Harte Art and Wine Festival will be held in downtown Twain Harte on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14. This annual event will be packed with unique artisans, vintage jewelry, health and wellness products, specialty foods, wine, music and much more. Bring the family along to discover the charm this town has to offer with great shops and restaurants nearby. Over 50 vendors will be offering items including photography, metal sculpture, jewelry, succulents, leather goods and more. There will be a variety of specialty foods available as well. Adult and kid beverages will be for sale and there will also be a cooling station to add to the day’s activities. Live music is scheduled for both days. Free parking and no admission fee. The Art and Wine fest will be held in the town center of Twain Harte. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Friday Night Movies
Two more Friday night ‘Movies on Main Street’ are scheduled in Escalon, with Kung Fu Panda 4 on July 12, sponsored by the Escalon American Legion Post 263 and The Goonies on July 19, sponsored by Escalon Friends of the Library. Movies are shown at the Main Street Park in Escalon, with a start time of about 9 p.m.; admission is free, bring your blankets or lawn chairs and a light jacket or sweatshirt. Snacks are available for purchase through local non-profit sponsors as well. The movies are being presented by Escalon Library and the Escalon Recreation Department.
Fun With The Jammers
The ‘Jammers’ are a loosely knit group of local musicians who gather regularly to play and share music. Members of The Jammers set up and play at Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale, on the patio, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The fun begins around 3 p.m. and typically continue until about 6 p.m., a full afternoon of music. Acoustic musicians are welcome to come and play. Featured instruments usually include guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
Artwork On Display
The Tuolumne County Arts Alliance’s Heartland Creative Corps Show, is open through Aug. 8 at Columbia College, and residents from throughout the area are encouraged to take the short drive to Sonora to view the show. The show presents an overview of the projects created in Tuolumne County from 2023 to 2024. One of the goals was to employ artists so that they could rekindle their careers that had been harmed by the pandemic. All of these projects were led by artists who employed other artists and cultural workers to participate in the production of the pieces or performances. The artwork is on display in the Columbia College Rotunda, Manzanita Building, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora.
Weight Loss Support
Members of the local TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meet in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the meeting is at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Legion Meeting
The regular monthly meetings of the Escalon American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post 263 are the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.; the post meeting room is at 1531 Second St., Escalon. The August meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Breakfast, Luncheon Gatherings
Oakdale Widowed Persons Group invites you to join them the first Saturday of each month for breakfast at 9 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month for lunch at 1 p.m.; call for locations. All are welcome to join the group no matter how long ago you lost your spouse. For more information, contact Barbara at 209-322-2184.
Healthy, Fun Walks
The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Walkers invite everyone in the area to join them for their weekly walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Brentwood Park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. Fun Bunch walkers are a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. You do not have to be a Fun Bunch member to attend; all are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
Golden Agers
Members of the Golden Agers dance group meet at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. All adults 55-plus are welcome. Just drop in to check it out or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
Irish Jam Session
The ‘lads and lasses’ of Brennan’s Parlor host a monthly Irish music jam (aka “Ceilidh”) in the back room of the H Bar B Saloon, 401 E. F St., Oakdale. Gatherings are on the third Monday of the month, and run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. They welcome anyone – players, singers, or listeners – with an appreciation for Celtic music to join the fun.
